2005 Agharta (Black Label)

Compared to the 2004, this 2005 is darker fruited, shows a more roasted earth character and is even more concentrated. True to the characteristics of the vintage the 2005 is lower in alcohol and has retained an unbelievable freshness of fruit. Remember though, these extended aged wines are more about secondary aromas and flavors than they are about fruit. This wine is leathery and darkly spiced with complexity and nuance to spare.

Once again the primary source of the grapes for this wine are from the Alder Springs Vineyard. The wines from this site always exhibit the richness, concentration, energy and verve that I feel is needed to improve in barrel for the full 'Agharta elevage' treatment. A couple barrels of Richards Family Vineyard Syrah in Schultz Canyon add lift and aromatics while the Mountain Terraces barrels provide the deep black fruit and massive concentration. The Grenache is from Bennett Valley Vineyard, which contributes the exotic candied red fruit characteristics and the Viognier is co-fermented w/ the unparalleled Syrah from The Terraces block at Alder Springs Vineyard.